Pear Cake

Caramelized Pear Cake: a delicacy that combines the sweet and spicy flavors of pears with a fluffy and light dough, perfect for any occasion. This recipe, inspired by culinary traditions, brings a touch of magic to your kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a gathering with friends or for a family meal, this dessert will surely be appreciated by everyone.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 1 kg pears (choose ripe but firm pears)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the dough:
- 6 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 50 ml sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 12 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the pear filling:
Start by washing the pears well. Peel them and grate them using a large grater. This step will help release the juice from the pears, creating a rich and flavorful filling.

In a large pan, add the grated pears, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 50 g of butter, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. This will take about 5-7 minutes. If the pears are very juicy, you can add a tablespoon of semolina to absorb the excess liquid. When the pears become soft and the flavors have combined, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with 12 tablespoons of sugar until you get a fluffy and airy mixture. Add the oil, milk, vanilla essence, and lemon zest, mixing well.

In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The dough should be smooth and easy to pour.

3. Baking the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour half of the dough mixture into the tray and bake for about 10 minutes, until it sets slightly.

After 10 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and evenly spread the pear filling over the partially baked dough. Pour the remaining dough over the filling, ensuring it is evenly covered. Return the tray to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test.

4. Finishing and serving:
When the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a rack. Before serving, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions
The caramelized pear cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert, turning it into an unforgettable experience.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the pears with apples or peaches, and the cinnamon can be replaced with nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor. You can also add nuts or almonds to the filling for a crunchy contrast.

Nutritional benefits
Pears are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to healthy digestion and maintaining the immune system. Additionally, this dessert contains protein from eggs, which is essential for cell regeneration and maintaining muscle health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned pears?
Yes, you can use canned pears, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and filling, adjusting the taste to your preference.

3. How long does the cake keep?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to slice it before freezing. You can keep it wrapped in plastic wrap and in an airtight container.

Personal note
This cake brings back memories of family gatherings from childhood, when the aroma of caramelized pears filled the entire house. It is a simple recipe, yet full of love and memories, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Each slice is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and every bite will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy cooking and the delights you can create with this recipe!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 6 eggs, 12 tablespoons sugar, 6 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 50 ml sweet milk, vanilla essence, grated lemon peel, 12 tablespoons flour. + 1 kg pears, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 50 g butter, 4 tablespoons sugar

 Tags:  pear cake